Rattles

Students will use double pinch pots to create a hollow-form ceramic rattle of their own design.

I can demonstrate proper clay handling techniques and an understanding of the stages of clay.
I can create two well-formed pinch pots of similar thickness, size and shape.
I can apply proper scoring and slipping techniques to create a hollow form for a rattle.
I can problem-solve and make adjustments to my design as needed during the creation process.
I can use various ceramic tools and hand modeling to create my artistic vision and plan.

Finishing

I can apply glazes to enhance the visual appeal of my rattle.
I can critique my own work and that of my peers using appropriate ceramic terminology.
I can reflect on my work, to learn more deeply.

TEKS:

(1) Foundations:

(A) consider concepts and ideas from direct observation, original sources, experiences, and imagination for original artwork;

(2) Creative expression.

(A) use visual solutions to create original artwork by problem solving through direct observation, original sources, experiences, narrations, and imagination;

(D) create original artwork to communicate thoughts, feelings, ideas, or impressions;

(F) demonstrate effective use of art media and tools in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, fiber art, design, and digital art and media.

(3) Historical and cultural relevance.

(A) compare and contrast historical and contemporary styles while identifying general themes and trends;

(4) Critical evaluation and response.

(A) interpret, evaluate, and justify artistic decisions in artwork by self, peers, and other artists such as that in museums, local galleries, art exhibits, and websites;

(B) evaluate and analyze artwork using a verbal or written method of critique such as describing the artwork, analyzing the way it is organized, interpreting the artist's intention, and evaluating the success of the artwork;

(C) construct a physical or electronic portfolio by evaluating and analyzing personal original artwork to provide evidence of learning; and

(D) select and analyze original artwork, portfolios, and exhibitions to form precise conclusions about formal qualities, historical and cultural contexts, intentions, and meanings.

Terracotta RattleCypriot, ca. 1600–1450 BCE

A Little History About Ceramic Rattles

Rattles are musical instruments made from various materials, including clay, wood, bronze, dried heads of poppy flowers, and pebbles. Ancient rattles have been found throughout history and in many different cultures; they often were used to memorialize and celebrate people's birth or death.

A rattles' sound is soothing, magical and powerful.

They came in a variety of shapes such as spheres, boxes, and animals like owls, pigs, or dogs. Examples include maracas, cabacas, African and Latin American calabash, Hawaiian Uli Uli, and baby rattles.

Link to see some in the British Museum

Terracotta Dog Rattle4th– to 1st-century B.C.E., Greek

Inspiration Artwork

Inspiration Artist: Lisa Larson

Lisa Larson is a renowned Swedish ceramic artist known for her distinctive and whimsical animal figurines and sculptures. Born in 1931, she began her career at Gustavsberg Porcelain Factory in 1954, where she worked for over two decades and developed her signature style of stylized, often humorous animal designs. Larson's work is characterized by its simplicity, warmth, and playful charm, often featuring expressive faces and minimalist forms that capture the essence of her subjects. (Link to Her Art)

Project Steps

For this project, you will be creating an enclosed form. This means, there will be no openings in your design. Your form will be hollow on the inside and you will use a pinch pot and slabs/hand modeling to create the form. You will add a steam hole at the end.

Step 1: Inspiration/Planning

You will need to first, sketch out 3 ideas of what you want your rattle to look like.
It could be an animal, food, a face, etc.
You can not make a plain ball or anything that is in the form of a simple sphere unless you are prepared to cover it with additive and subtractive designs/textures.
Your rattle should be able to fit in your hand so don’t make it too big. You also don’t want it so small that you won't be able to fit rattles inside.
Include some color in your sketches. Think of different textures and patterns you could include. Take a look at the glaze spreadsheet (below) to see the glazes we have in the studio.

When you are done brainstorming and planning - take a photo of your work and submit it to Google Classroom.

Copy of Pinch Pot Rattles

This is another teacher's slide Presentation, but has great ideas/steps.

Rattle-1.pdf

Step 2: Creation/Construction

You will need 2 pinch pot forms that are the same size.
Before closing up your sections by scoring and using slip, you will need to make rattles. Tear up small pieces of paper towel and roll them into small balls of clay. Then, wrap the balls up with mare paper towel to prevent them from sticking to the walls of your rattle. The size and number of balls your put in your rattle will change the sound.
Once everything is put together and closed up, start adding all the details!

Smooth, Clean up and finish
The most important step of all. If you do not do this, your rattle will EXPLODE in the kiln. Use a needle tool to poke a hole in your rattle. The hole must go all the way to the open inside. This will allow air to get in. If you do not have a visible hole, your rattle will not be fired.
Add your initials/name and period to the bottom of your work.
Take photos, turn them in and set your work on the "Bisque Fire" racks, inside the kiln room.

Glaze Plan

Step 3: Finishing

Glazing. Pick your colors wisely, some will emphasize textures, while others will not.
Take a look at the glaze inventory spreadsheet located below to see what we have in the studio.
Fill out a "Glaze Plan" making sure to record the codes of every glaze you use, and how many layers you apply.
Do not glaze the bottom of your rattle, this is where I will set it on the shelf, in the kiln. If you are unsure about this, ask!